Oh hell yeah

Matthew - Boston

I've been wearing these boots since 1993. Bought my first pair at the old Fluevog store on Granville St. in Vancouver, on the east side of the street, before it moved across the street sometime later. Those ones were black. Bought my second pair, in cherry red, one lame weekend in Saskatoon, SK, a few years later. The cherries have been re-soled a couple of times, the black ones eventually wore out around 2004, after several re-solings, the new black ones, they've worn beautifully.

Slippery when wet

Daniel - Halifax, NS

I really like these boots. They fit well; they're comfortable; they look great. The leather feels both soft and sturdy, and my stance and stride feel confident in them. I've had them for about a year now, and so far they seem very durable; I haven't had any of the problems other reviewers have reported with them wearing out.

The only drawback is that the soles don't have much traction on wet (or icy) surfaces. If I'm cycling on a rainy day, then it takes a bit of extra attention to keep them from slipping on the pedals. (The other pair of Derby Swirls I've had didn't have this problem, so maybe it's something about the coloured soles.)

quality is not job #1

chuck - denver

Dear Mr. Fluvog:
step up the quality to match the price. these boots should not be priced over $50. they're comfortable as hell! but when you really start to enjoy them - after a month or so, the soles slowly come off. total bummer because i want to love them. i really do, but shelling out my time for these boots is a total waste.

Fluevog

Thanks for your feedback, Chuck. I'm so sorry to hear about your Derby Swirls. All of our retail shoes come with an 8 month warranty. Hold tight, one of our Denver Fluevogologists will be in touch with you shortly!

Shoes fell apart

Jennifer - SLC

I bought my boots last year, but only wore them maybe 5 times, they were still brand new. This year I started wearing them everyday once it started to get cold. The design is great. The comfort is top notch, I didn't even have to break them in. What's the problem then? I've been wearing them for a month now, almost every day. And yesterday the soles started coming apart. I'm really glad I spent so much on boots that lasted me a month. And yes, they were the ones made in China. I should have read the reviews more carefully. Don't buy them! You're just wasting your money.

Angels Derby Swirl!!

Elizabeth Arzola - New York

I had read what other Fluevogers had stated about the Angels Derby Swirl but I had to try them for myself. Unfortunately, they were right. These were made in China and the quality is very poor. I have been a Fluevoger since the early 90's when I fell in love with my first Angels, which I purchased in the Village. To date, I wear them everyday and they still look amazing. I even bought Angels for my young adult kids. The new pair I recently purchased were made in China. Even the inside is different from my old Angels. I looked inside my old Angels and I noticed they were made in Poland. I had never bothered to look inside until someone mentioned China. Not only did they not fit well but were of poor quality. Even the white stitching around the boot was horrible. I always expect great quality in the Fluevog shoes. These looked so cheap, it was very disappointing. I returned them and do not expect to buy in the future if they're going to continue to be made in China. You have lost another customer. Hopefully, things will cme back to how they were. Sincerely, Elizabeth A.

Fluevog

Hey Elizabeth, thank you for your comment. I'm sorry that your Derbys weren't up to the standard of quality you were expecting. The good news is that production has been moved to Poland! If you check out The 7th Heaven Family, you'll find a whole bunch of Derbys (along with some other new styles). I hope this helps!

China?

Lyndsey

Where are the Derby Swirls with the blue or red soles manufactured?

smudge - boston

the only reason i won't recommend these boots to people is because i don't want anyone else to wear them. i seldom see people wearing these fine shoes and i enjoy them being quite unique. i wear mine every day. yes, the sole falls off (eventually). and everyone initially says "nice docs". or just yesterday: "1990 called and they want their boots back"
[i actually started wearing these boots in 1993.]

incidentally, freshly made boots are now stamped "made in poland" (as of september 2013 on the two pair i just purchased: purple and acid black) just like in the beginning, so quality may be improving to their former glory standards, although everything out of china is not bad!

there have been hiccups over the years (remember the not welted soles anyone?!? OH BOY!).

so please keep writing reviews on how bad the boots are...more boots for me!

Total garbage!

Franklin - Albany

Sole fell off after 2 months. Shame on you!

Very Pleased!!

Robin

I read all the feedback here and still bought these for my husband for Christmas. We both love fluevogs and he had owned these exact shoes in the early '90s and desperately wanted to replace them. I told him about the possible change in manufacturing and let him know that if he had any problems we would do something about it. That was six years ago! He loves them! he says that the difference is not noticeable compared to the previous vogs he's had. I am sorry for every one that had a bad experience with these but that was not the case for us... Fluevogs for life!!

Scary

Tammy G - Central maryland

What I'm reading about the quality of these Fluevog's is horrifying
to me. These are the only shoes I am willing to spend so much
money on because of my past experiences with their resilience and
craftsmanship. I own 6 pair and may not a 7th. What's going on here?
Is it the made in China thing? I pray that John is taking heed to what
these avid disgruntled consumers are saying and get their act together.
To have the shoes made cheaper and tell others to spend 50 bucks to
get them repaired is disgraceful. This great company will crumble under
such sickening greed and apathy. Please take heed of all your warnings
here. You owe it to us loyal Flueggy's to get it right. Praying you do.

My original boots are about 24 years old

Christine McKenzie - Queenstown, New Zealand

I have loved my angel boots for 24 years and I have finally decided I will need to replace them.I am so happy to find them online!! My boots are the shiny black ones with white stiching and have continued to be my very favorite of all my shoes!I love them so much, but you don't have my size :(. are you likely to get more stock in any time soon? You may like my original boots in your museum to show everyone how they are able to stand the test of time. Look forward to your reply. Cheers Christine

Soles seperating

Brent - Edmonton

I ordered the Angel "swirl" boot online. I needed a size smaller and upon return , the store sent out the SAME size that i originally sent back.
...eventually, I got my order and it wasnt only a few months of very light wear that the soles began to seperate. I got a shoe maker to fix it, rother than deal with the Vancouver store. AND...now only weeks after the original fix, is the sole seperating yet again.

Im not impressed!!! I wanted to support a Canadian designer as well as a fashionable boot, but this quality is SH*T !

...Will not support this product, or recommend this overpriced shoe to anyone.

New Derbies go back to basics!

Merrick

So I've got alot of Angel shoes. I'm a Sasquatch, and they are the only vogs that fit my circus freak feet comfortably. I bought a pair a year and half ago, and experienced the same quality issues, I've read on here from numerous people. The sole fell apart, and the color came off!1 ARRRRGGGHHH! The fact that they were made in China didn't really bother me, but the quality was miles away from what I remember. I just recently hit the Union Square store and picked up one of the new Spring styles with the cool multi colored stain. I asked if they were still made in China, and was told that they switched back to their Poland factory. You can tell! Derbies are back baby! Great new colors! Familiar cool high quality! Sasquatch happy!

Great looking, decently comfortable boots

Heath Allyn - United States

I've had some Doc Martens for about 20 years which are still going strong and were my everyday show for a long time. When I was looking for a new supplemental pair, some friends told me that Doc Martens aren't as awesome as they once were and that I should check out Fluevogs. When I was in Seattle in 2008, I went to the store and got these burgandy Swirls. Since then I've worn them a LOT and while I generally would recommend them I can't say I'm blown away. The leather is still extremely stiff, even after tons of wear over 5 years and professional cleaning and conditioning. The only thing I've ever done to my Docs was to replace the insoles. On my Fluevogs I've also had to have some minor repair done wear I wore a hole in the inner leather wall around the heel. They've never quite become the comfy, worn in pair of boots that my old docs became, but I'd certainly buy many more pairs of Fluevogs, never the less. Looks and style can't be beat. Comfort, quality and durability aren't quite as high but still a fine boot!

Where is the quality?

Keith Sawka - United States Seattle

I used to own these boots in the 90's before they released the angel soles and they lasted a decade no problem. Fast forward to 2013, I just bought a pair of black angel sole boots and 1 month after buying them the sole is separating from the boot. What crap! I really can't believe that I paid for these boots thinking they were the high quality that they were known for. Not anymore. Sorry Fluvog you just lost another long time customer. Get your $%&* together.

best boots ever!

christian h - NJ

Well what can I say....I just love these boots. I originally ordered the Banker boots and just couldn't get the right size (the fit was too narrow for me and there are no 1/2 sizes) but these boots fit great and they look so cool. I am a photography teacher and needed something that I could wear at work but could still take a beating and so far these boots can handle both! The customer service at Fluevog was amazing. They weren't happy until I was happy in the right pair of boots. Super fast shipping too. I ordered on a Sat. and got them on Monday. Just love this company and the boots too! Thanks Fluevog DC!

Dirby Swirl no more.

michael - NYC

I loved my Derby Swirls (past tense). The best boot I'd ever worn in New York City ...back in the 1990's. Today, they're crap! Crap, crap, crap! It's such a shame; the quality has gone way downhill. This is often the case with designers. Once they get a hold of their fan base they go to cheaper manufactures and continue to sell their product based on their old reputation. Unless Mr. Fluevog (or whoever is running the company now) decides to put out quality merchandise, I'm sorry to say they have lost me as a customer (and many of my friends, too). Too sad.

Sadness, it's a cloud

Nick Bidinger - Michigan

Well now that I've made it through the brake-in period (and coincidentally a couple weeks past the 9 month warranty) my soles are braking. They are separating from the bottom. Why aren't these sewn on? On one boot I can see in through the side to the underside of boot between the sole. On the other boot the sole came loose at the toe and last week it caught on an uneven sidewalk slab and a big chunk broke off of the toe. What a bunch of crap. I should have heeded the warnings of other reviewers but I was to overcome with nostalgia for the pair I loved and remembered buying back in the nineties. It's a damn shame these are so cheap and that I'll have to find a better source for stylish footwear.

These shoes are awesome!

Kristi - Leonardtown, MD

I bought the derby swirl boots in black with the blue soles a few days ago from the DC store. These shoes are so awesome! They are comfortable and stylish. I have been wanting a pair of derby swirls for awhile, but I thought that the black with white stitching was too frilly for me, the burgundy was just not me, and the navy blue isn't made anymore. When I saw that the black with blue soles (my signature color) and the black with red soles had been released last week, I didn't waste any time getting a pair. Thanks Mr. Fluevog! These shoes are great!

Too young to die.

Jen - Toronto

I bought these boots in March of 2011 because of the awesome reviews of longevity and durability on this site, but I am extremely sad to say, the durability of the soles is extremely lacking. I noticed a crack in the latex sole of one shoe a few months ago and went to the Toronto store to purchase replacement soles as soon as I noticed it but it seems the footbed above the sole had many cracks on both shoes, (even where the replaceable soles were fully intact) making them irreparable.

I can only think that the rubber on the upper part of the sole had dried out and started cracking, leading to the cracks in the latex. I moisturized the leather with mink oil and shoe cream, didn't wear them everyday, never in snow or salt and only once in the rain. I love the look of the boots but I'm extremely disappointed in the poor quality.

These are my 5th pair of vogs and perhaps my last.

If you are buying these for the long haul, please think twice and look at a more durable shoe.

Me Too!!

Christina - New York

I too have been wearing Fleuvog angels for 20+ years everyday, they fit my orthotics and support my ankles, just like others who post here. Wow.

These shoes saved my life!

Ramona - Kelowna

Please, please don't ever stop making the Burgundy Derby Swirls! They were my saviours and I truly couldn't get by without them.
I have massive arch supports that I have to wear everyday, as well as very weak ankles that must be supported by a boot. The only shoes that fit my orthotics AND look like the coolest shoes in the city are my beloved Derby Swirls. I wear them, quite literally, 345 days a year for work, play, a date, a wedding, vacation... anything and everything. Not one day goes by that I don't get a compliment on them.
John Fluevog, you ought to be sainted for creating these shoes. They gave me my life back once I got out of my wretched wheelchair. I am eternally grateful. I've been donning Fluevogs since I was 13 (over 20 years), and I intend to keep it that way 'til the end of my days.

Thank you,
Ramona

meh

Brent - Calgary

Now I'm a long-time Fluevogger, almost 20 years now and I love most of John's shoes.
I won't buy another pair of Angels though, as the quality is just not there. I emailed after my last pair of Angel boots and was assured that the quality and leather is just as good as ever, but the fact is that my boots have worn out in less than 2 years while I only wear them once a week. I compared the leather with my wife's pair of 10yo boots and the outer leather is much thinner while the liner on mine is almost like vinyl compared to hers.
I've also bought 2 pairs of chinese angel shoes and they failed to impress as well.
Fool me once and all...
I'll still buy Vog's, just not angels.

Which makes me kinda sad.

Michael

First let me say I love the style of these shoes. I wear them at least daily 8 months out of the year. They are my favorite shoes and I'm contemplating buying my third pair. However the last 2 pairs I have owned have had the soles on both shoes delaminate just weeks after walking around in them. Which with a little e6000 I can fix. Even though I do wear them a lot the soles are worn flat in just a year. Not sure if they are worth the money any more.

Please improve the quality

Esses - New England

I've been wearing my Derby's for over 15 years like many others who have commented here. In tough New England winters they have kept my feet dry and warm because the soles are amazing. I did have them re-stitched once but they have held up considering the abuse they get. Snow, salt, mud.
I want to replace them with a new pair, but I'm concerned about the reduction in quality I'm reading about.

Please improve the quality and I'll purchase another pair.

Derby Swirls

dddenault@hotmail.com - north ontario

Bought a pair of derby swirls back in '93/94....put on hundreds of miles, and the sole never lost its bounce. after a few years of treating them gently (street worn only), I started wearing them on camping trips (hiking, water, rougher terrain) and really put them through the paces...finally had to retire them somewhere around '05/06.they gave me about a dozen good years. have to say they were probably my favorite pair of non-tactical boots...highly recomend them for comfort / style / wearability and durability. DD.

Angels lasted less than a year

john - Boston

I just ordered a new pair of the black angel derby swirl boots to replace the ones I bought less than a year ago in Boston. In the past these lasted many years but the new ones quickly fell apart inside and out. One sole is now taking on water when it snows! sad.

Needle in a hay stack

Tamara Krull - Canada

i found my pair of black derby swirl boots at a small church thrift store for $2. i have owned them for almost 10 years and in my high school days i wore them none stop despite the fact they were 2 sizes to big for me. they still live in my closet and i hope some day to own a pair in my size. Thanks for being so awesome!

11 years and counting

Emily Ann - Oakland,CA

I bought the Angel Derby Swirl boots in red when I was thirteen years old. I'm 24 now. I wore them every day back when I got them, and then brought them as my only shoes when I went backpacking in Europe for seven weeks in the dead of winter in 2009 (the coldest, and one of the wettest, years in Western Europe in 16 years). They're the closest thing I have to hiking boots, so I wear them whenever I hike. They're still going strong. I'm going to get a new pair sometime soon, simply because they look a little beat up these days, but, man, these things are truly indestructible BEASTS. You can't even say they're expensive, because of how many pairs of cheaper boots I'd have gone through in that time. Not to mention, they're soooo comfortable, as they've formed to my feet over the years.

Will always love, but have been hurt...

Albert Urso - Traveling photo nomad.

I have always had at least a pair of Fluevogs in my closet, each made from a different county as years gone by. But my recent Chinese made boots that I bought a few months back have been a disappointment. Each boot looks like it came from a different assembly line; the leather actually looks different on each boot, the sole is de-laminating on my left foot, and even the 'made in china' stamp looks different than the other. Only reason I did not put off the purchase at the time for a better looking pair was because the NY sales person told me it was their last pair in my size. Which also is a downer because this is not the first time I've been told that limited stock on one of your most popular boot was a regular thing (went to buy a year before and nothing in my size). I love Fluevog,so wanted to give the heads-up intervention; and maybe someone will kick some quality into those shoe artisans. I'd even buy a pair of the painful Mexican versions (holy moly Poles sure could make a shoe, those were the days). Still the best shoes on the planet, amen.

love my boots

Melynda Turner - Calgary

i've had my angel boots since 2000 and they are still going strong. the only thing that they need is a bit of repairs on some of the stitching to make them look as good as new. they have seen me through many miles and 2 babies. my hubby also owns a newer pair (under 3 years) and unfortunately they aren't weathering so well as they are the new generation that are made in china. the leather is not holding up to the usual fluevog standard. very disappointing.

TXVogFan - Austin, TX

10/30/11 - bought these boots at the Manhattan store. I moved from Bklyn two months ago and I'm so sad I don't have a store in Austin. Made use of my visit by checking out styles in person and checking fit on a couple I have my eye on. I've been coveting the Derby Swirl boots for a while and as soon as I put them on my feet, I heard, "yes, we fit like we were made for you. Buy us now." And then I heard a choir of angels. Okay, so maybe I didn't hear angels singing, but my feet sure did. Must be those angel soles. Wore them out of the store and then home the next day on the plane. Have two "break-in blisters" but I suspect that will go away once I get the leather softened and shaped to my foot after a few wearings. Leather is stiff when brand new. Got the beautiful burgundy (oxblood) color in size 6 1/2. My other pairs of Fluevogs are all size 6, but they didn't have that size in the burgundy. I don't think I could have worn a smaller size, though. These boots make me feel like I can kick ass and take names. Thanks to Georgia for her patience.

angel boots

robinrenee - texas

I have owned a pair of the angel sole boots since they first hit the market and I am still wearing them ... over 15 yrs . Have not needed new soles or repairs. Buying a new pair as I see my size being discontinued !

David S - Los Angeles

Since my original posting, Fluevog have been kind enough to send me a replacement pair of boots. I hope these last a bit longer than the last pair but either way I do appreciate Fluevog standing behind their product and customers enough to make good on a pair of boots that was clearly defective.
Thank you Fluevog.

G Williams - Seattle, WA

I love the gold ones I just got, but whyyyyyyy has the Seattle store not had my size in black for over a year??

Love these!

Helena_Handbasket - Flesherton, Ontario

I just retired my lovely boots after 15 well worn years. The leather wore out before the sole did. 2 trips around the world, a six month stint in one of the hottest places on earth in a war zone, and 1 house built - and they never failed me. Lots of compliments on the look - especially from our soldiers! Needed a steel toe option. Looking forward to ordering a new pair in September. Thanks Fluevog for the best boots I've ever had!

Sylvia L. - LA

I bought a pair of these for my husband, and he loved them at first. After just under a year the sole came apart (much like what other reviewers are complaining about). When we contacted the store we were told that the warranty is only 8 months and that we would have to pay to have these repaired. How sad that such an expensive pair of shoes would be so poorly crafted that they fall apart after 1 year of normal use.

I will not be buying or supporting Fluevog shoes any longer.

David Surnow - Los Angeles

Bought these exactly one year ago and the sole of one just fell off. Seems like shoddy workmanship for such a short period of time on boots that were not worn all that much. Sadly Fluevog only stand behind their work for 8 months. When I sent an email expressing my disappointment to Fluevog, all I got was an email back saying what I already knew, that for $50 I can get them resoled. I own boots from Fred Segal that have lasted 10 years and not needed shoe laces. How is it possible that these shoes that cost well over $200 fall apart after such a short period of time? My goal is to now warn those who might buy these shoes that they will fall apart every year and that the Fluevog warranty is useless.

Useless

Michael Glass - Carrboro,NC

So I have a pair of Derby Swirl boots,and my wife got me some soles for them.I've had these boots for about 14 yrs. and the only thing wrong with them is that they need to be resoled,and unfortunately the boot/shoe repair stores in the Chapel Hill area are incompetent and can't handle the job.Can you help me?
Mike G.

Greg

Hi Michael, contact the Boston store and they can help you out. You can send your boots and soles to them, and their cobbler will put them on correctly for you. :)

I'm sold!

Jonn - Manhattan

My wife has a pair and swears by them. Says they're the most comfortable walking shoe EVER! I reluctantly tried them and Holy Cow!! We walk all over Manhattan Island with them. Best walking shoe ever made! Quality is outstanding. Moustache is kind of cute too.. :-{

onie - san fransico

i agree these shoez r comfortable but i also wore my solez and stiching out in 3 months.. when i took them back to the store i was told to buy new shoez... i explained that these were new... so i had them resloed and stiched sum where else.. they lasted threw the summer till the leather gave way.. this shoes is comfortable just wish they were built better.. .

Disappointed in my Derbys

Gillian - Vancouver, bc

I bought my first pr of derby swirls when I was in grade 11 (early 90s) and they lasted me almost 10yrs!! I was sooo happy.

I bought myself a new pr Oct 2009 and within 6 months the inner "leather" lining started to pull up (separated from the sole) and then some seams on the outer leather fell apart too.

I bought them in Seattle and couldn't exchange or return them in Vancouver, so I have a useless pr of sad boots.

I AM SO DISAPPOINTED!

Too much money to have wasted on boots that didn't last 6months. :-(

Greg

Hi Gillian, so sorry to hear about this. Someone will be emailing you shortly to find out more, and to help you out. :)

So happy.

Lisa - Toronto

So ... I am cheap. Cheap as they will come and it took a lot of looking and reading for me to decide to even head down to the store to take a look at the Angels ... but I am so happy I did.
The store staff were fantastic to work with, since I have hard to fit feet and once I got these on I was sold, wore them out of the store that day.
They are beautiful, feel perfect from the moment you put them on and durable.I am hard on shoes and I have no doubt that these will last. It is now my second winter with them and with the proper up keep it looks like I bought them yesterday.
If/when these are to fail I will gladly part with my money for a second pair.

Can I has more pleez?

Sarah - Twin Cities, MN

I've had my Angel boots for about 15 years now. They've been through hell and back and still feel and look awesome. I've only recently added insoles to plump things back up again. It's hard to believe that their so beat up and I *still* get compliments on them!

I've got several pairs of Fluevogs. The soles are always AMAZING. Even in heels their like walking on buttah. Plus the designs are the hot as hell. Frankly, I wish I could afford to wear *only* Fluevogs. Seriously. They're *that* good.

BLUE!

chris - ottawa

i love these boots. i've had mine for years and they are SO comfortable and durable.

Scared to be disapointed

Janes - Vancouver BC

Over the years I have bought 2 pairs of Angel boots and they lasted me very very weell. I have been lusting after a new pair but am disapointed that Fluevog has given up the quality of good leather and yet managed to increase the price. I likely will not go with them this time....will turn to Dics :-(

oh heck

Andrew - boston

the most comfortable, dependable, lovely footwear I have ever owned. Once you own a pair you will want to wear them every day. as comfortable as a pair of slippers, seriously! :-)

Amy

Ahh... I bought my pair almost 5 years ago, and they're still... well, standing. Yeah, these boots are the best. They fit well, and look kick-butt when you wear loose jeans.

LOVE them!

g1ng3r5n4p - chicago

I've been waiting to buy these since my birthday in April. I just picked them up 3 days ago, and wore them to work today. I expected a break-in period, blisters, achey feet, so I took my other shoes with me just in case. NADA! I wore my Angels on hard concrete floors for my whole 9 hour shift, still with a spring in my step at the end of the night. w007! this is my 9th pair of Vogs, with 10 and 11 (the Benatars & Nico) coming soon. LOVE Rebecca in the Chicago store!!

Not so good anymore - Made in China

Martin Fichtl - Vancouver

My first pair of these boot, made in Mexico, lasted an amazing 7 years of hard use.

I purchased a new pair and noticed they are now made in China. After 2 weeks the sole started to peel off.

To their credit, the staff at the store were great about exchanging the boots for a different model.

The uppers are no longer stitched to the soles. The stitching is purely cosmetic now.

I hate to say it, but making shoes in Asia seems to go against everything wearing a pair of Fluevogs stands for.

Love em

Gil Luna - Portland, Oregon

I've bought the same pair of derby's, reds, since the mid 90's. I never buy another type of shoe since these seem so perfect for me! I think I've owned at least 10 pair since and I am about to buy another. They last a long time and are plenty worth it.

John Smith - Ontario

Cheap terrible boots. There is more hype than quality. Save your money and buy a durable pair that won't fall a part after a few months

Greg

Hi John, Please contact one of our stores if you are having trouble with your Angels. We will gladly fix them up, possibly even replace them.

Hugh Galyean - North Georgia

After YEARS of happy daily wear of my Derbys, the soles needed replacing - imagine my joy to find the replacements on the website. Then imagine my sadness when I returned to my local shoe repair store to find that not only had they closed shop, but also discarded both Derbys and soles with no hope of getting them back. A few years have passed and I have not been as happy with any alternative boot, so I am about to purchase my second pair of Derbys!

These boots replaced my SAS shoes!

oldtdevil - San Francisco

I have really wide feet and wierd ankle issues. I thought I was condemned to wear the comfortable yet complete fashion-void SAS shoes for the rest of my life. And then I found the Derby Swirl. I was converted! Perfect fit and so comfy and stylin'! As God as my witness I'll never wear ugly shoes again!

Still going strong

Toby - Burlington, VT

I couldn't be more delighted with my Derby Swirls. They're my third pair of Angels, but my first Fluevog boots and I simply couldn't be happier. With regular care - cleaning, waterproofing, polishing - they're going strong on their THIRD Vermont winter as my sole winter boot. (Check out that shine! http://is.gd/73ymK - flickr link.) Snow, ice, sand, salt, mud... nothing gets 'em down. My custom orthotics fit comfortably inside and my feet stay snug, supported, and happy all year round, dressed up for formal events or down for a day in the woods. Perfect, wonderful, lovely, all-around first-class boots!

All Day Long

gillian - vancouver, bc

I bought my first pair of Derby Swirl boots while in High school.. they lasted me years and years. I bought a new pair recently and they are my go-to boots, still. I work as a photographer, and while shooting ALL DAY weddings these bad-boys keep my feet happy. Yaay! Not my only pair of Fluevogs, but my fave. Thank-you Angel Soles!!

Boot win

Sebastian - Copenhagen, Denmark

I bought a pair of these on a visit to SF in the summer of '08. They've been my favourites ever since. The most comfortable footwear I've ever owned! I often think that those angel soles ought to fly across the Atlantic more - so I could buy more of them! ;-)

Best boots EVER!

Richard Gordon - Boston, Massachusetts

Have worn the same pair, twice resoled, for the last 19 years in rain and snow (though not waterproof.). They are my most frequently worn shoes and definitely my most comfortable. I am just now looking to replace them since the right side has now developed a crack in the upper. I'll definitely be on the lookout for another pair of Derby Swirls. Very highly recommended!

Classic

John - New York

This boot is a classic. I do agree with previous poster about old styles. Other brands are making similar old school boots like Red Wing and Frye. Expanding the angels line would kick some ass. I love mine they've lasted years. :-{

Once broken in...AMAZING BOOTS!

Melissa D. - Portland, OR

These are my first pair of Fluevog's. I happened to stumble across the Seattle store while visiting the city with a friend last month. Needless to say, I am (and my friend as well) completely in love with Fluevog's now. These most definitely will not be my last pair! That said, these boots took a good ten to twelve wearings to break in, and those first few times were extremely painful. My heels were completely shredded, and I ended up having to temporarily put in heel pads to complete the break in. I don't know if this is because of the stiffer China made leather, or just the shape of my feet. But I do think it is worth mentioning for those considering buying these. Also, as a long time wearer of Doc Marten's, this has been a common problem I've had with certain styles of Doc's as well; so this may be just me (but again, I think good to note for potential buyers). However, now that the boots are properly broken in, they are quite possibly the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned (and yes, they beat the Doc's). The Angel sole is like walking on a cloud, and the leather is forming well to my foot. They feel solid and very well made. I have no doubt they will last me years. Not only do they feel fantastic now, but they look HOT. The dark red and overall design is a head tuner, and I've already have a number of people compliment me and ask where I bought my boots. These were worth every penny, and once broken in are a boot for the ages!!

My Favorite Shoes

Lauryl Sulfate - Milwaukee, WI, USA

Are always my Angels with the derby swirl. I've been wearing the same boots since high school, and I'm now 30. I've bought them twice and would like to buy a new pair to replace the ones I'm in now, as they are finally starting to fall apart.

perfect boots, bring back old styles!!!

Dave - NYC

These boots are the best! Very comfortable and versatile. My only gripe is that the selection of styles has become limited. I own the ones that do not have the derby swirl. They've lasted over 5 years but need to be replaced soon.

Derby Swirls

Natasya - Ojai, CA

I own 2 pairs of these. One pair of hi-tops made in Poland and a 2nd pair of BLUE mid-calf made in China. Def prefer the Polish-made but kept the chinese for their blueness. I wore the hi-tops CAMPING of all things and hiked 12+ miles of rough terrain. Also wore them to dance a punk rock tarantella onstage at GothLA. Versatile but they are def stiff/heavy for dancing. Still breaking-in the newer pair - the chinese leather is waaay stiff. The sole is bouncy & comfortable but not flexible. Can't explain it ... but derby swirls somehow make combat boots SEXY.

great, great, boot

blu - san francisco

I bought a pair of these red boots a year ago. It would be an understatement to say how many people tell me what a great looking boot I have on. Bikers, lawyers, artist, young people, old people, too many to list here. One important thing I learned: Women look at your shoes. :-O All types, sizes, shapes, and ages -- and they give positive compliments. I wish someone would have told me this when I was in college. These shoes make a statement. They scream comfort, smoothness, and style. If you have to buy one pair of fluevogs, this is it! ,-)

Angelic Derby Swirls !

Michael - Maine

I have had a few pairs of derby swirls and I have to say they are my all time favorite pair of shoes. They always fit perfectly and I felt the style was an extension of me! Years ago my wife had white ones. She wore them when attending nursing school with this little white skirt type outfit they had to wear while working in the hospital. It was hot!!! Thanks for the awesomeness...

Jenny - Madison,WI

Since 1993 or 1994 I have worn out 3 pair of these classy boots working on my feet 8 hour days shipping, receiving etc on tile, cement, snow and New Orleans Mardi Gras parades. I have re-soled them, painted one pair and searched in vain for more in the city. I have just blown the seams on pair #3 and hope to have them stitched. I have walked the National Mall in DC for 8 hours of museums and rainy weather, climbed the bluffs here in WI and worn the new ones to the opera. They polish nicely and they elicit envy regularly. I want more!

di.audrey - Sydney, Australia

I bought these babies for 80 bucks when I was living in New York. I bought them 8 years ago and they have only gotten better with age. They are the fluevog that started my fluevog obsession!!!! Thanks John!!

Still goin strong since 1994

Suzanne - North Carolina

I LOVE my Fluevog boots...bought them in the 90's as an alternative to everyone else's Docs, and they feel and look just as good nearly 16 years later...even after 4 years of slogging thru Alaska rain and snow! Thanks for making such awesome shoes and boots!

Diana - montana

hello out there! just got my pair of Derby's in the mail..just in time for first snow in Hamilton! ripped open the box n my angels fit like angels..! I have to say that I wish the sole and heel were the same as my first pair(that I got back in 95)..they were and inch higher and the sole seemed to be hand-crafted. And the all cotton laces lasted forever... Nonetheless, I'm sooo glad to be sportin my Fluevogs!! "Thank You" to all the team. :-D

fine looking.

derek dick

These boots have worn very well for me and they still look great. look great with jeans or even shorts..funky & dressy. I am very sad/ disappointed to hear that they have moved the production to asia "for quality reasons" as some have mentioned that the quality has dropped off so i'm now hesitant to buy my next pair. Here's hoping my current pair last a wee bit longer.

Dennis - Kentucky

I have had mine since 1993. I am going to have to get some new soles for them, but all in all they have been great. Very comfortable, and interesting to look at. People ask where i got my shoe from time to time. Thank you for making such quality boots. people are amazed that they have lasted as long as they have. Gratefully,
Dennis Charles.

This could be called obsessive...

Natasha - Ottawa

[First of all I would like to thank Greg for replying to my guest book comment. This is in reply to it ;)]

I thought it would be fair to post about these boots after I had gotten a chance to properly break them in. It did take a good two weeks or so to have them fit perfectly, but when I say 'perfectly' I mean it. They are very comfortable, they don't pinch at my toes like other not-so-awesome boots do, and they go with all my funky outfits no problem! I would highly recommend these boots to anyone - be them a stylish boot connoisseur or a random person on the street. =P I love how they are so unique (the soles say they repel Satan! I had a good laugh at that one) and at the same time they are so versatile. Buy 'em and you wont be disappoint, trust me.

Bless these boots!

metrognome - Vancouver

After drooling over these beauties forever I finally picked up a dark red pair while in Vancouver last year. They are hands down my absolute favourite boots, and not just for the random compliments I get from perfect strangers when I walk down the street in them. It did take a couple of weeks of solid wear to break them in (ouch) but now they fit like a second skin and are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. They are a cheeky winter addition to conservative skirts and pants, as well as looking tough as nails with black jeans. Thank-you Fluevogs, for making shoes that make me happy!

chgochefgirl - Chicago

I bought my first pair of Fluevogs - the Derby Swirls - 6 years ago and they are the most awesomest shoe! Ridiculously comfortable with almost no break-in time. I've since acquired 4 other pairs of Fluevogs - these are still my faves!

Honeychild.

Mehron - Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA

These are adorable, easy to wear, and the swirl has been described as a "mustache". Good shoe? Or BEST shoe?

Incredibly Disappointed in Poor Quality

Nicola - New York City

My last pair of Derby Swirls held up through thick and thin for three years, and I absolutely adored them. When they started to get too beat up to wear anymore, I knew I had to invest in a new pair just the same. Apparently, the new boots are being manufactured in Asia, rather than Poland, and the quality is just horrible. I feel like I could have gotten better boots for $30 at PayLess. The first pair I got had the toe cap crushed irreparably after only two weeks of wear. The great folks at Fluevog replaced them for me, and I was so happy. Then, after only a couple weeks, the lining of the new pair started to tear. The insoles are coming apart, and don't even seem to be made of leather. The leather on the outside is very heavily lined and creased, as though the leather was extremely cheap, poor quality, and it looks horrible. I am so disappointed with these boots. Fluevog, PLEASE go back to making high-quality, durable boots in Poland! I spent three years encouraged everyone I knew to buy your boots, and now I'm embarrassed. If you'd go back to making the same quality boots I'd go back to being an enthusiastic and loyal Fluevogger. Until then- since I blew $180 on these cheap boots, I'm going to have to go to PayLess to find something better.

Found!

Christopher - Vancouver

Paid an undisclosed amount for a gently-used pair of size 5 black derby swirls from a Salvation Army Thrift Store. Unbelievable! Fit nicely; Already broken in of course!

Angel Derby Swirls Fit Has Changed...

scooterchick - Toronto

... a couple of times in their history. My most comfortable ones were made in Poland way back in the late 90's.... then I bought a pair made in Mexico around 2003 and even though I had to go a size larger, the fit was different, too short to adjust to fit me in the heel area, so always catching me at the back of the heel even though I had plenty of width and room up front. So I gave them away. I LOVED my first pair, and mourn them deeply - I would love to get another pair if they felt good!

Greg

Actually the Angels were made in Mexico until 2000, when we moved them to Poland. In 2006 we moved the production, for quality issues, to China. The fit and leathers hasn't changed much in the 19 years we have been making them (next year is 20!).

I'm in love with an inanimate object...

Lucy - State College, Pennsylvania

Thinking about the ancient Egyptians, if there were similar situations now, I would request that these shoes be in my tomb to be the only pair of shoes I would need in the eternal hereafter. I purchased my pair over 11 years ago. The angel soles have taken a beating from me and they continue to live up to their claims. I LOVE THEM!! And they look better and better as they age.

Most loved boot ever!

M - Vancouver, BC, Canada

I've had my Derby Swirl boots for about 6 years. They are the most comfortable boot that I've ever worn. They look amazingly new even after years of wear. So far, I have only replaced the laces once. Currently, I'm thinking about replacing the sole. My only complaint was the breaking in period...my feet hurt for a while but once broken in, they're my own little slice of heaven. Thanks, John.

sad change of vog

ubernef - oakland

Ah the fluevog dilemma has shifted for me: they've started making their shoes in china. Now, its not ABOUT CHINA per se, its about the quality of the craftsmanship. sure, I totally dug looking into my vogs and seeing MADE IN POLAND, who wouldn't? but when I dropped into the NYC store and considered treating myself to some new boots, lo, the shoes looked... different and...kind of cheapish. I asked "Is it true these aren't made in Poland anymore?" The lovely man said, yes, many of their styles were now made in China. And Mexico. Call me snobby, but at least call me snobby FOR A REASON. I recommend buying in store so you can check the stamp.

linnea - bay area

I had the knee high version 10 years ago and LOVED them. I can't go into why they're gone, but I've missed them. I've never found a more comfortable boot in my life. THANK YOU SO MUCH for bringing back the Derby Swirl! I'm going to buy these right now so I can relive the awesome.

Love my Fluevogs!

Jay Kay - Calgary

After 13 years the only thing I've had to do is change the sole and get some new laces! I get as much wear out of them today as I did way back in the day! Thanks Fluevog! :-D

thank you, John Fluevog and designers

carla - edmonton

I was in Vancouver and went to Fluevog out of desperation. My feet are size 8EE and I wear orthotics. I was thrilled to find that these boots accommodated my feet, and that I wore them out of the store on the streets of Van in the rain for three hours afterward with not too much trouble. The uppers are a bit stiff (they are easing after each wearing) but the soles are cushy. The leather lining feels deluxe - I've looked at boots from Harley, Wolverine, etc. and none compare at this price. And I have always loved this design. Now I'm back in Edmonton. and these boots are easily handling the snow and ice. I am so, so happy. They are super cool and I'll look fantastic riding my 1988 Harley FXR next spring. Can't wait, but I have these lovely tough boots to remind me that underneath the snow and ice is indeed 'an invincible summer.' You know, as a child in the 70's, I remember going to the Fox and Fluevog shop with Mom. The styles and quality made an impression even then. I think these boots are a Canadian classic, much like Docs in England, or Blundstones in AUS. Keep them coming off the line. I think every citizen, rural or urban, would find these a tremendous boot. Love Carla

Fluephoria

Rosanne Currie - Victoria

I've had mine for 6 years and they were so comfortable that I callously and enthusiastically abandoned all my other footwear. This pair was the be all, end all of ALL SHOES. I wore them through rain, sleet and snow and even through the blazing summer. I'm pretty hardcore rough on all my shoes so the fact that these lasted all this time is nothing short of divine intervention. You can take my dignity but you can't take my Fluevogs.

Meredith

I own around six pairs of Fluevogs at this point, but these are my favourites. They make me feel like the coolest, toughest girl in the world, and they fit me so perfectly that there was no breaking-in period at ALL. Did someone say there used to be a knee-high version? WANT! WANT! WANT!

So uncomfortable!!!

Candice Watkins - Astoria, Oregon

I just received my first pair of fluevogs and have never put a more uncomfortable pair of boots/shoes on my feet. I can't imagine wearing them long enough to break in. I'm not the type of person to torture my feet for two straight weeks in hopes of breaking in a shoe. I can't wait to return these for, I guess my only option, store credit. Now I understand why Fluevog has such a strict return policy! They must get a whole lot of returns.

Superb and boot-ilicious

Rivka - WV by way of San Francisco

I have had the knee-high version of these boots for 13 years and worn them incessantly. They need re-soul-ing and the grommets have steadily been falling out, but other than that, they have held up beautifully. Only bummer is that my feet spread after I had my son, so they're too tight to wear for very long anymore....

Most Comfortable but

Gunny - vancouver

I have owned several pairs now. They truly are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. The laces they sell with them are lousy quality and I actually broke the steel shank in my latest pair. I have owned them less than a year. These ones are made in China where other were made in Poland. I will give buy another pair but if the quality doesn't improve I will move on to find new "most comfortable" boots

Greg

If laces are breaking often, most often the culprit is a sharp eyelet on the inside that starts to fray the laces. Squeeze the star-shaped eyelet with needlenose pliers, and hopefully that will do the trick. As far as a broken shank - please bring the shoes back to a Fluevog store to show us, and we will try our best to accommodate you.

Best boots

j.cro - Dirty Jersey

I've owned these boots for TEN years, replaced the soles once and now they're just about fallen apart. I'll be getting a new pair soon, but I'll be sad to retire my comfy, broken-in boots.

Derby Swirls!

Andrea - Philly

I love these boots!! I bought both colors (black & burgundy). I used to wear these in the 90's and they become the most comfortable shoes you will ever own, once the initial break-in is through. They are stylish and match EVERYTHING. I highly recommend these boots...CLASSIC!!

The only shoe I wear for 15 hrs straight

Sarah Ann - Rockport , Maine

This is my 13th year wearing the same pair of Derby Swirl Boots with Angel souls. Made in Mexico, they were comfy since hour one. Maybe girls fit these better than boys? The stitching started coming apart at the seams and sole within the first year and I worried they would fall apart eventually and 13 yrs later they are still delightful and intact. Now I will order a new sole and also a new pair. Love these boots.

]:o) ]:o) ]:o)

Working angel style

Alice - Seattle

I positively LOVE these boots. I first got them 3 years ago or so and they took forever to wear in, which a friend had mentioned to me they would. So after wearing them for two weeks straight and surviving many a blisters I put them on one morning and by the end of the day I realized these were the most comfortable pair of shoes in the world!
I wear them everyday to work in a busy restaurant kitchen and they hold up strong to whatever gets spilled on them (be it blood or molten sugar), they keep my feet safe and my soles don't hate me at the end of the day... Thank you fluevog, Think I might try the Banker style next when (if) these ever wear out.

RD

I have bought this particular pair a few times, first time in 1995. They lasted a lil'over 4 years. By the time of the second pair Fluevog was now using a leather fromm Mexico and not from Poland which made the leather tough, very hard on the feet to break-in. I refused this pair and insisted on the ORIGINAL leather [exceptional leather is why I chose Fluevogs in the first place] Since then I always make sure. Read the leather stamps and make sure you get what you pay for. I have had shoes made for me in the past and I can tell you with certainty that a well made pair of shoes should not blister your feet. Stll Fluevogs are one of my favorite off the rack shoes. By the way I always buy mine from the Seattle store.